World Language
The World Language Department recognizes that instruction in a language other than English is important to the development of our students as citizens in a global society. The ability to speak a foreign language as well as develop a cultural understanding of the people who speak that language remain the goals of instruction for our students. The sooner students begin this course of instruction, the better able they will be to develop both language skills and cross-cultural understanding.
Thus, for Chittenango students, language instruction begins in eighth grade for all students and continues into the high school years. Level I (eighth grade) is the introductory course to the study of French or Spanish. Students develop listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Courses are structured in such a way as to help the students quickly develop a comfort level in speaking a language other than English. Multi-media elements of the program including CD-ROM, video and hands-on grammar programs add to the classes. Completion of the course is geared toward the student demonstrating Checkpoint A proficiency os state standards (1 unit). Levels II and III, offered on the high school level, complete the three year sequence that students will need to earn the advanced Regents diploma. The four language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing are further developed once again relying on a variety of multi-media applications. The courses continue to focus on building knowledge and understanding of other cultures; connecting with other disciplines; acquiring information and developing insight into the nature of language and culture; and participating in multilingual communities at home and around the world. The advanced Levels IV and V represent the optional courses of language study beyond the state mandated three years. Varied activities include introduction to literature advanced grammar review, panel discussions, original dramatic productions, web activities, native guest speakers and the like. The curricular goal is Checkpoint C of New York State learning standards. LINK TO THE NYS EDUCATION DEPARTMENT information on curriculum and state testing: http://www.nysed.gov/ciai/lote.html
Chittenango High School
